Note: Javascript is disabled or is not supported by your browser. For this reason, some items on this page will be unavailable. For more information about this message, please visit this page: About CDC.gov.

The case of a male laborer on an asbestos removal crew who was electrocuted when he contacted an exposed overhead conductor in a utility tunnel was examined. The employer was an asbestos abatement contractor, who had been in the business for 3 years and who had 30 employees Company safety training focused on safe removal procedures but other hazards likely to be encountered were not addressed. The victim and coworker comprised one of two teams removing asbestos from steam lines in the tunnel. The victim was removing insulation containing asbestos from the steam lines in the tunnel when his shoulder contacted exposed conductors from the lighting circuit hanging from the roof of the tunnel; his right arm was in contact with the steel steam line, and he was electrocuted. At the time of the accident he was wet with perspiration due to the high ambient temperature in the tunnel and the protective clothing required for asbestos removal. If a survey of the actual job site had been performed prior to the work, hazards such as this exposed conductor would have been identified and corrective action taken. The reduced resistance of the body, because of its wet condition, increased the hazard tremendously. It is recommended that electrical equipment be deenergized during asbestos removal work, if possible. Otherwise, workers should be isolated from potential contact with the energized lines or equipment.